1999 Kia Sephia Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 4%of 428 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,250miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the visibility of the 1999 Kia Sephia, 4% of the 428 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,250 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The dashboard is separating from the windshield, preventing the defroster from circulating to the windshield. Manufacturer states they can not assist the consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #10103664, filed 2005-01, 61,500 miles“The car died while driving down the road repeatedly. Battery leaked. Brakes had to be replaced for the entire car at 60,000 miles. The vents on the dashboard have popped up and broken. Now the defroster does not blow the air on the windshield. This vehicle was stored in a garage. The seams on the seat come undone. The cigarette lighter broke and flops in the dash. The switch to override the transmission lock is broken. The rear brake light broke when replacing the struts which you have to remove the back dash to get to. The board that is under the carpet in the trunk warped. …”
NHTSA complaint #10093527, filed 2004-10, 15,000 miles“The car wouldn't start shortly after I bought it. It took several trips to the dealer in order for them to replace the starter. After the starter was replaced the problem continued and the flywheel was finally replaced. Approximately one week prior to receiving a recall notice on the wiper blades the wipers stopped working during heavy rain on a highway which almost caused me to get into an accident. I have had electrical problems such as the ceiling light going on and off whenever I turned corners. …”
NHTSA complaint #750368, filed 2001-08“At slow speed vehicle was sideswiped by another vehicle, driverside mirror was designed to fold inward when this happened; instead, mirror exploded, and driver was hit by glass, window was down. Driver suffered multiple facial cuts. Damage to vehicle unknown at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #8017315, filed 2002-08“Recalls 99v271 000/windshield wiper linkage and 99v318 000/engine stalling. Both recall notices were received by consumer, and was unable to get dealer to honor recalls. Was informed by dealer that they were placed on a waiting list, and will be contacted when their names come up. Contacted dealer on several other occasions, and now they misplaced the list. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #860461, filed 2000-04Related recalls
- 99V271000Oct 6, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The ball socket on the windshield wiper link may be out of tolerance resulting in the link disengaging from the wiper…Covers: Kia Sephia 1998–1999
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
Other parts of the 1999 Kia Sephia
173 complaintsEngine cooling
88 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
71 complaintsElectrical system
63 complaintsFuel system
49 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsSeat belts
13 complaintsEquipment
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Kia Sephia
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology